Kamala Harris visited the U.S.-Mexico border in Arizona to emphasize her tough stance on migration, aiming to counter Donald Trump’s narrative that Democrats are weak on immigration. Harris, a former prosecutor, highlighted her commitment to enforcing border rules and taking on criminal organizations. She shifted her stance from more left-leaning views as a presidential candidate in 2019, now prioritizing border security. Harris acknowledged the need for an immigration system that is orderly, humane, and strengthens the country. Despite Republican criticism, Harris plans to revive a border security deal that Trump blocked and push for stricter border controls if elected president. There is a gender divide on the issue, with Trump leading Harris among men. Democrats believe focusing on border security will appeal to moderate voters and contrast with Republican failure to address the issue effectively.
Harris’s proposal includes balancing tougher enforcement with creating legal pathways for immigrants. The push for granting permanent residency to illegal immigrants has dwindled, and Harris remains vague on normalizing the status of all undocumented individuals. Democratic hopes for comprehensive immigration reform have faced challenges, with debates on pathways to citizenship and enforcement taking priority. Policymakers, including Sen. Chris Murphy, emphasize the need for a rules-based immigration system before addressing pathways to citizenship. The landscape on immigration policy is shifting, with both parties focusing on border security as a key issue in the upcoming elections.
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